Meet the Team Behind Superior Ponds
The People You'll See in Your Backyard
When you invite someone to work around your home, fish, pets, and outdoor living spaces, you deserve to know exactly who they are. We believe trust starts before we ever arrive. Meet the team behind Superior Ponds and learn more about the people, training, and experience that help us create and maintain tranquil water features throughout Minnesota.
Scroll down to learn more about our team and how they’re an asset to you.
Ben Bryant
Founder, Owner & Lead Design Consultant
✓ Certified Aquascape Contractor
✓ National Pond Speaker & Educator
✓ 600+ Water Features Serviced Across Minnesota
Known by many as “The Pond Guy,” Ben has spent years studying, building, maintaining, and restoring water features as both a passionate hobbyist and water feature professional.
His experience has taken him across the country, learning from industry leaders and attending national training events to continually refine his craft.
As a nationally traveled pond professional and speaker, Ben enjoys helping homeowners discover the possibilities within their outdoor spaces through creative design, technical expertise, and a deep appreciation for nature.
When he’s not designing ponds, you’ll find him by the lake, exploring the outdoors, reading, or enjoying Chinese food. At the heart of everything Ben does is a simple belief: water has the power to connect people with nature, create moments of peace, and transform how people experience their own backyard.
Ben Bryant
Founder, Owner & Lead Design Consultant
✓ Certified Aquascape Contractor
✓ National Pond Speaker & Educator
✓ 600+ Water Features Serviced Across Minnesota
Known by many as “The Pond Guy,” Ben has spent years studying, building, maintaining, and restoring water features as both a passionate hobbyist and water feature professional.
His experience has taken him across the country, learning from industry leaders and attending national training events to continually refine his craft.
As a nationally traveled pond professional and speaker, Ben enjoys helping homeowners discover the possibilities within their outdoor spaces through creative design, technical expertise, and a deep appreciation for nature.
When he’s not designing ponds, you’ll find him by the lake, exploring the outdoors, reading, or enjoying Chinese food. At the heart of everything Ben does is a simple belief: water has the power to connect people with nature, create moments of peace, and transform how people experience their own backyard.
Andrew Malin
Lead Pond Technician, Team Leader
✓ Army Veteran
✓ Longest-Tenured Field Team Member
✓ Advanced Troubleshooting and Repair Specialist
Andrew Malin is the Lead Pond Technician at Superior Ponds and the longest-tenured field team member. A proud Army veteran, Andrew has spent years maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, and building water features throughout Minnesota. His extensive hands-on experience and commitment to ongoing education have made him one of the team’s most trusted technical resources.
Known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, Andrew is often the first person team members turn to when faced with a challenging issue. Whether diagnosing a complex pond problem, mentoring newer technicians, or overseeing a large project, he is committed to delivering quality workmanship and exceptional service. Andrew’s dedication to both clients and teammates makes him an essential part of the Superior Ponds team.
Andrew Malin
Lead Pond Technician, Team Leader
✓ Army Veteran
✓ Longest-Tenured Field Team Member
✓ Advanced Troubleshooting and Repair Specialist
Andrew Malin is the Lead Pond Technician at Superior Ponds and the longest-tenured field team member. A proud Army veteran, Andrew has spent years maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, and building water features throughout Minnesota. His extensive hands-on experience and commitment to ongoing education have made him one of the team’s most trusted technical resources.
Known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, Andrew is often the first person team members turn to when faced with a challenging issue.
Whether diagnosing a complex pond problem, mentoring newer technicians, or overseeing a large project, he is committed to delivering quality workmanship and exceptional service. Andrew’s dedication to both clients and teammates makes him an essential part of the Superior Ponds team.
Bastian Zuercher
Pond Technician, Team Leader
✓ Research-Driven Problem Solver
✓ Jack of All Trades
✓ Self-Proclaimed “Old Guy”
Bastian Zuercher serves as a Team Lead and Pond Technician at Superior Ponds. Known for his curiosity and willingness to troubleshoot, Bastian brings a thoughtful approach to every project. His ability to research solutions, solve problems, and continually expand his knowledge makes him a valuable resource both in the field and within the team.
Whether assisting with pond construction, maintenance, or his favorite niche of repairs, Bastian approaches each project with attention to detail and a commitment to doing the job right. His steady demeanor and dedication to professional growth help ensure clients receive reliable, high-quality service.
Bastian Zuercher
Pond Technician, Team Leader
✓ Research-Driven Problem Solver
✓ Jack of All Trades
✓ Self-Proclaimed “Old Guy”
Bastian Zuercher serves as a Team Lead and Pond Technician at Superior Ponds. Known for his curiosity and willingness to troubleshoot, Bastian brings a thoughtful approach to every project. His ability to research solutions, solve problems, and continually expand his knowledge makes him a valuable resource both in the field and within the team.
Whether assisting with pond construction, maintenance, or his favorite niche of repairs, Bastian approaches each project with attention to detail and a commitment to doing the job right. His steady demeanor and dedication to professional growth help ensure clients receive reliable, high-quality service.
Riley Babcock
Pond Technician, Assistant Team Leader
✓ St. John’s University Student
✓ Biological Filtration Specialist
✓ Everyone’s Favorite
Riley Babcock is a returning seasonal member of the Superior Ponds team and a student at St. John’s University. With a strong interest in ecosystem ponds and aquatic environments, Riley enjoys understanding how filtration, beneficial bacteria, plants, fish, and water movement work together to create healthy, balanced water features.
Clients appreciate Riley’s positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Whether assisting with maintenance, construction, or troubleshooting, he brings energy and curiosity to every project while continuing to expand his knowledge of the water feature industry.
Riley Babcock
Pond Technician, Assistant Team Leader
✓ St. John’s University Student
✓ Biological Filtration Specialist
✓ Everyone’s Favorite
Riley Babcock is a returning seasonal member of the Superior Ponds team and a student at St. John’s University. With a strong interest in ecosystem ponds and aquatic environments, Riley enjoys understanding how filtration, beneficial bacteria, plants, fish, and water movement work together to create healthy, balanced water features.
Clients appreciate Riley’s positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. Whether assisting with maintenance, construction, or troubleshooting, he brings energy and curiosity to every project while continuing to expand his knowledge of the water feature industry.
Krystal White
Office Manager
✓ Client Communication & Project Support
✓ Service Scheduling
✓ Team Coordination & Administrative Leadership
Krystal White serves as the Office Manager at Superior Ponds and is often the first person clients connect with when reaching out to our team. She oversees client communications, service scheduling, maintenance coordination, and administrative operations, helping ensure projects move smoothly from the initial conversation through completion.
What makes Krystal’s role especially unique is that she first met Ben as a client herself. Having experienced the process from the homeowner’s perspective, she brings a valuable understanding of what clients need and expect throughout their water feature journey.
Whether gathering information for a future pond project, coordinating service visits, supporting field technicians, or helping clients find the right solution for their needs, Krystal plays a vital role in keeping both clients and team members informed and supported. Her organization, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service help create the seamless experience Superior Ponds strives to provide.
Outside of the office, Krystal enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and collecting interesting rocks. Her appreciation for nature and the outdoors makes her a natural fit for the Superior Ponds team.
Krystal White
Office Manager
✓ Client Communication & Project Support
✓ Service Scheduling
✓ Team Coordination & Administrative Leadership
Krystal White serves as the Office Manager at Superior Ponds and is often the first person clients connect with when reaching out to our team. She oversees client communications, service scheduling, maintenance coordination, and administrative operations, helping ensure projects move smoothly from the initial conversation through completion.
What makes Krystal’s role especially unique is that she first met Ben as a client herself. Having experienced the process from the homeowner’s perspective, she brings a valuable understanding of what clients need and expect throughout their water feature journey.
Whether gathering information for a future pond project, coordinating service visits, supporting field technicians, or helping clients find the right solution for their needs, Krystal plays a vital role in keeping both clients and team members informed and supported. Her organization, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service help create the seamless experience Superior Ponds strives to provide.
Outside of the office, Krystal enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and collecting interesting rocks. Her appreciation for nature and the outdoors makes her a natural fit for the Superior Ponds team.
Tegan Mellgren
Pond Technician
✓ St. John’s University Student
✓ Maintenance & Construction Team Member
✓ Competitive weightlifting
Tegan Mellgren is a Pond Technician at Superior Ponds and a student at St. John’s University. As a member of the field team, Tegan brings a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to learning to every project he works on.
Whether assisting with pond maintenance, construction, or repairs, Tegan enjoys helping create outdoor spaces that homeowners can enjoy for years to come. His reliability, professionalism, and dedication to quality work make him a valued member of the Superior Ponds team.
Tegan Mellgren
Pond Technician
✓ St. John’s University Student
✓ Maintenance & Construction Team Member
✓ Competitive weightlifting
Tegan Mellgren is a Pond Technician at Superior Ponds and a student at St. John’s University. As a member of the field team, Tegan brings a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to learning to every project he works on.
Whether assisting with pond maintenance, construction, or repairs, Tegan enjoys helping create outdoor spaces that homeowners can enjoy for years to come. His reliability, professionalism, and dedication to quality work make him a valued member of the Superior Ponds team.
Kristjan "Kris" Theus
Pond Technician
✓ Air Force Veteran
✓ Fine Detail-Oriented Technician
✓ Entrepreneur
Kristjan “Kris” Theus is a Pond Technician at Superior Ponds and a proud Air Force veteran. Known for his patience, precision, and attention to detail, Kris approaches every project with a craftsman’s mindset and a commitment to quality workmanship.
Whether carefully placing stone, assisting with maintenance, or helping complete a new installation, Kris takes pride in doing things right the first time. His steady approach, strong work ethic, and focus on detail help ensure every project meets the high standards clients expect from Superior Ponds.
Kristjan "Kris" Theus
Pond Technician
✓ Air Force Veteran
✓ Fine Detail-Oriented Technician
✓ Entrepreneur
Kristjan “Kris” Theus is a Pond Technician at Superior Ponds and a proud Air Force veteran. Known for his patience, precision, and attention to detail, Kris approaches every project with a craftsman’s mindset and a commitment to quality workmanship.
Whether carefully placing stone, assisting with maintenance, or helping complete a new installation, Kris takes pride in doing things right the first time. His steady approach, strong work ethic, and focus on detail help ensure every project meets the high standards clients expect from Superior Ponds.
Joseph "Don" Luciano
Administrative & Creative Support Specialist
✓ Behind-the-Scenes Project Coordination
✓ Client Information & Communication Support
✓ Educational Content & Resource Development
Joseph “Don” Luciano provides administrative and creative support for the Superior Ponds team. Working behind the scenes, he helps keep projects organized, client information accurate, and communication flowing smoothly between the office and field teams.
From educational materials and homeowner resources to project documentation and technology support, Joseph plays an important role in helping Superior Ponds deliver a professional and consistent client experience. His attention to detail, creativity, and organizational skills help ensure both clients and team members have the information they need, when they need it.
Joseph "Don" Luciano
Administrative & Creative Support Specialist
✓ Behind-the-Scenes Project Coordination
✓ Client Information & Communication Support
✓ Educational Content & Resource Development
Joseph “Don” Luciano provides administrative and creative support for the Superior Ponds team. Working behind the scenes, he helps keep projects organized, client information accurate, and communication flowing smoothly between the office and field teams.
From educational materials and homeowner resources to project documentation and technology support, Joseph plays an important role in helping Superior Ponds deliver a professional and consistent client experience. His attention to detail, creativity, and organizational skills help ensure both clients and team members have the information they need, when they need it.
Our Promise To Every Homeowner
- Integrity: We do what we say we'll do and always put our customers' best interests first. Every recommendation and decision is guided by honesty, professionalism, and respect.
- Transparency: We believe great projects start with clear expectations. That's why we provide straightforward communication, detailed information, and updates throughout every stage of the process.
- Reliability: You can count on our team to show up, follow through, and deliver quality results. We take pride in providing dependable service and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Delivering Quality Work Through Experience And Care
j
I would recommend Ben from Superior Ponds to all my family and friends.
Ben was super helpful and guided us through our water feature journey. One thing that I will point out that we really appreciated was he gave us a ballpark price over the phone.
With that we weren’t surprised when Ben came out to our backyard and we started to talk numbers. It was a great experience and Ben made our job fun!
c
I was in need of some serious pond cleaning and maintenance and Ben was the first one to get back to me (promptly) and make sure he fully understood the scope of the work that needed to be done.
He fit me into his schedule and showed up to perform the work in pouring rain and worked in those conditions all day.
You can see he loves his work and he loves to help people enjoy their ponds. Would recommend him to anyone.
Great communication, transparent pricing, good work, and honest. Can’t ask for more than that.
Ben is the sweetest! He helped diagnose some waterfall issues we were having over the phone and was so kind and helpful. He was knowledgeable, patient, and it was clear that he cared about us.
I should also mention, he was totally right without even seeing it in person! Could not recommend more!